The Social Progress Index (SPI) measures a nation’s overall well-being beyond GDP, with 12 components and 60 indicators. Nations in Sub-Saharan Africa and the Middle East have lower SPI rankings, while Canada, North European countries, Japan, and Australia consistently score high. Energy use affects SPI, but higher consumption doesn’t always lead to greater social progress.
Climate justice recognizes the responsibility of the wealthy for climate change, which disproportionately impacts the vulnerable. Urban climate action plans are increasingly addressing justice, but some cities still lack such plans. Larger cities tend to prioritize justice more, and sectors like energy efficiency and clean energy receive greater attention. More efforts are needed to achieve just and inclusive urban climate transitions.
Texas has emerged as a prominent oil and gas producer, ranking as the fifth largest oil producer globally if it were its own country. The development of fracking technology and a surge in oil prices led to a significant increase in oil and gas production in Texas from 2000 to 2014. However, the distribution of employment gains during this boom varied across gender, race, and ethnicity. The Texas example underscores the importance of ensuring an equitable distribution of economic benefits in energy systems, especially as governments incentivize low carbon energy initiatives.
Women represent 40% of the global solar photovoltaic (PV) workforce, double the share in the wind industry and oil and gas sector. However, they are mainly in administrative and non-STEM technical positions, with underrepresentation in STEM and senior management roles. Gender bias and barriers to recruitment, advancement, and work-life balance exist in the industry, with women reporting higher perception of pay gaps and barriers.
The global wind energy industry has seen substantial growth, but women make up only 21% of its workforce, lagging behind other renewable energy sectors. Barriers to gender equity include cultural norms, limited awareness of opportunities, and lack of support policies. Companies can promote change by prioritizing fairness, transparency, and work-life balance.
In Europe, energy insecurity affects 8% of the population, with some countries facing higher rates of thermal discomfort. Milder winters due to climate change have improved overall energy security, but about 35 million people still struggle to stay warm. Germany, Spain, Italy, and France have a significant number of individuals affected.
Energy is essential for education, enabling longer study hours, technological advancements, and improved outcomes. While access to education has improved globally, certain regions still face challenges. Increasing energy access, particularly electricity, positively impacts education.
Millions of people die each year due to indoor air pollution caused by the combustion of solid fuels and kerosene in inefficient stoves. Heart disease, stroke, COPD, lung cancer, and other illnesses are major contributors to these deaths. Access to clean cooking fuels is closely linked to lower death rates, with countries having universal access showing the lowest rates.
Energy insecurity in Nigeria and Ghana is a pressing issue, with challenges in accessing affordable and clean energy. Nigerians face more severe experiences, including social exclusion, while Ghanaians deal with payment responsibilities and cooking methods. Addressing these issues is crucial for improving energy access in both countries.
Weatherization offers energy and non-energy benefits to households. It involves insulating homes, installing energy-efficient systems, and reducing energy bills. Non-energy benefits include improved health outcomes, such as reduced thermal stress and asthma symptoms. However, challenges like deferred assistance, low coverage, and bias against renters limit the program’s impact.
The Social Progress Index (SPI) measures a nation’s overall well-being beyond GDP, with 12 components and 60 indicators. Nations in Sub-Saharan Africa and the Middle East have lower SPI rankings, while Canada, North European countries, Japan, and Australia consistently score high. Energy use affects SPI, but higher consumption doesn’t always lead to greater social progress.
Climate justice recognizes the responsibility of the wealthy for climate change, which disproportionately impacts the vulnerable. Urban climate action plans are increasingly addressing justice, but some cities still lack such plans. Larger cities tend to prioritize justice more, and sectors like energy efficiency and clean energy receive greater attention. More efforts are needed to achieve just and inclusive urban climate transitions.
Texas has emerged as a prominent oil and gas producer, ranking as the fifth largest oil producer globally if it were its own country. The development of fracking technology and a surge in oil prices led to a significant increase in oil and gas production in Texas from 2000 to 2014. However, the distribution of employment gains during this boom varied across gender, race, and ethnicity. The Texas example underscores the importance of ensuring an equitable distribution of economic benefits in energy systems, especially as governments incentivize low carbon energy initiatives.
Women represent 40% of the global solar photovoltaic (PV) workforce, double the share in the wind industry and oil and gas sector. However, they are mainly in administrative and non-STEM technical positions, with underrepresentation in STEM and senior management roles. Gender bias and barriers to recruitment, advancement, and work-life balance exist in the industry, with women reporting higher perception of pay gaps and barriers.
The global wind energy industry has seen substantial growth, but women make up only 21% of its workforce, lagging behind other renewable energy sectors. Barriers to gender equity include cultural norms, limited awareness of opportunities, and lack of support policies. Companies can promote change by prioritizing fairness, transparency, and work-life balance.
In Europe, energy insecurity affects 8% of the population, with some countries facing higher rates of thermal discomfort. Milder winters due to climate change have improved overall energy security, but about 35 million people still struggle to stay warm. Germany, Spain, Italy, and France have a significant number of individuals affected.
Energy is essential for education, enabling longer study hours, technological advancements, and improved outcomes. While access to education has improved globally, certain regions still face challenges. Increasing energy access, particularly electricity, positively impacts education.
Millions of people die each year due to indoor air pollution caused by the combustion of solid fuels and kerosene in inefficient stoves. Heart disease, stroke, COPD, lung cancer, and other illnesses are major contributors to these deaths. Access to clean cooking fuels is closely linked to lower death rates, with countries having universal access showing the lowest rates.
Energy insecurity in Nigeria and Ghana is a pressing issue, with challenges in accessing affordable and clean energy. Nigerians face more severe experiences, including social exclusion, while Ghanaians deal with payment responsibilities and cooking methods. Addressing these issues is crucial for improving energy access in both countries.
Weatherization offers energy and non-energy benefits to households. It involves insulating homes, installing energy-efficient systems, and reducing energy bills. Non-energy benefits include improved health outcomes, such as reduced thermal stress and asthma symptoms. However, challenges like deferred assistance, low coverage, and bias against renters limit the program’s impact.